Cities united for a unique exhibition
Two of the North West’s leading cultural organisations, The Lowry and the Royal Exchange Theatre, will break new ground in November by uniting for the first time for a fascinating photographic exhibition.
The Lowry at Salford Quays is currently displaying The Half by Simon Annand (Sat 19 September 2009 – Sun 3 January 2010) in one of its gallery spaces, an exhibition which throws light on previously unseen moments in the working lives of famous actors. And at the same time, another top theatrical venue, the Royal Exchange, will carry a ‘capsule’ of Annand’s work to bring a taste of it to Manchester city centre (Wed 4 November - Sat 5 December).
Michael Simpson, Head of Visual Arts at The Lowry, commented “With the incredible success so far of this engaging Lowry exhibition, we are immensely pleased that a smaller collection of brand new works by Simon Annand will also be on display throughout November at the Royal Exchange Theatre, one of the most prestigious repertory theatres in the UK. Many of his portraits feature actors who have trodden the boards at both The Lowry and the Royal Exchange, so both venues are ideal to view these works in the correct context”.
This exhibition allows an intriguing insight into the more private moments of the most celebrated actors including Vanessa Redgrave, Gillian Anderson, Jim Broadbent, Martin Sheen, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Kristin Scott Thomas, Holly Hunter, Daniel Craig and Jude Law, in the intimacy of their dressing rooms - normally no-go areas for prying eyes.
The portraits have all been taken during the 30 minutes before curtain up, known as ‘the half’. It is one of the most private times for an actor, involving intense concentration to prepare for the performance ahead. It is a moment rarely captured on camera.
Clare Simpson, Marketing Director at the Royal Exchange commented “We are thrilled to be working with such prestigious partners as The Lowry Gallery and the V&A. The Exchange Mezzanine Gallery is going from strength to strength and the quality of the artists reflects this. Joining together with the Lowry brings Simon Annand's exhibition to the city centre and allows more people to see more of his work”.
Simon Annand’s work documents the variety of ways in which actors transform themselves into the characters they are about to take on. The stunning images provide a glimpse into the backstage world of theatre and reveal a part of the acting process the audience never sees.
For 25 years Annand has worked as a photographer in and around the theatre with many of the leading companies, including the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal Court, Comédie Française, Odeon Theatre Paris, Moscow Arts Theatre, Théâtre de Complicité and The Old Vic.
The exhibition, curated by the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Theatre Collections with Simon Annand and brought to the region by The Lowry, is the most comprehensive survey of the photographer’s work to date.
Posted on Wednesday, 30 September 2009 under Press Galleries Press